Religious Education

Church of the Assumption offers Religious education classes for Pre-K children through high school. The classes start the Sunday after Labor Day and continue till early May. The teachers instruct the children in the faith on various levels and prepare those of age to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Classes meet on Sundays between the two Masses in Fr. Bernard Hall and across the street in the Buddeke House.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program (Children 3-5 years of Age)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.… In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God.

First Communion Class (Children Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion)

These children are prepared for the two sacraments through the use of the New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism, Little Stories of the Eucharist, and New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism. They review their prayers, learn how to make a good Confession, and learn about the Real Presence in the Eucharist. By the time Spring comes, they are well-prepared and eager for their new life in the Church through Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Faith and Life Series (Children in grades 3-6 )

This series presents an overview of Salvation History and the Eucharist. Students see clearly how the Eucharist is the center of God's plan of mercy and the center of our Catholic faith. This revised edition series is fully correlated with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and features increased use of scripture to complement the outstanding presentation of Catholic doctrine and practices. (http://www.mycatholicfaithdelivered.com/Home.aspx?pagename=FaithAndLife)

Dynamic Catholic’s Decision Point (For Students in grades 7th and 8th and preparing for Confirmation)

Matthew Kelley’s Decision Point engages students through his DVD presentation and journal discussion questions in a “ life-changing conversation about the genius of Catholicism.” (dynamiccatholic.com). The religious education teacher leads the group in prayer, journaling and discussion after each presentation. There is also free downloads available for parents who would like to watch at home and follow along as their child is led more deeply into the truths and wisdom of the Catholic Faith. Outside materials which explain Church teaching specific for Confirmation and a review of the Rite of Confirmation are also part of this class for the students who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Beginning Apologetics 1 (High School Students)

Students in this class will learn how to explain and defend the Catholic Faith. The youth are the future of the church and they need to know their faith and learn to defend, teach and evangelize as they encounter others in new schools, work environments and college campuses. This class will help them grow in their confidence and ability to answer Christ’s call to evangelization.